One year after

One year since your dad and I woke up at 4 AM to drive to the hospital along Marcos Highway for your scheduled arrival. I remember feeling mixed emotions — anxiety, excitement, stupor (since it was early morning) — that I babbled on until I was wheeled into the operating room where I was left alone for quite a while. Someone prepped me on the table then left me alone again, in which that time I felt chills because (1) it was cold and (2) the mix of emotions above. A doctor arrived and asked me how I felt, then told me she was giving me Demerol.

From that time on, all I remember were flashes of events. I didn’t even get to get angry at the nurse holding me while the anesthesiologist was administering the epidural (unlike the time I gave birth to your sister, when I cursed the nurse for his trickery. “Parang kagat lang ng langgam” my a$$.) I didn’t feel the cuts nor the stitches (was on CS). But I remember the noise — the OB and her team were going on an on about Peeta and Gale of The Hunger Games. They were talking about who should end up with Katniss.

I heard your cry, though. Like a kitten when she’s hungry. And then the OB placed you beside me. And we had a photo together. And then a selfie with her. It’s weird, I know, but it did happen. If you want proof, your dad and I were given a DVD copy containing photos documenting the events in the operating room. No kidding.

We were happy that you weren’t born with jaundice, like your sister. However, the newborn screening results showed something we weren’t ready for: you have G6PD deficiency. It broke my heart and I got worried, because I didn’t know what that was before. It was a good thing the OB and your pedia knew what it was. They said as long as you don’t eat or take any of the triggers, you’ll be fine. And so far, you are.

During the early months, I breastfed you, but because I had to go back to work, we went from mixed to formula. Even with all the malunggay and soup and supplements, my supply was not enough for you. I’m happy, though, that you’ve eaten good solids, as in no Cerelac or Gerber. And you’re not picky about food, not yet. Although the sight of the box of your baby biscuits always triggers your appetite even at 9 PM…

Anyways, you’re a year old now. You know how to walk but can’t do it alone yet. You can babble words and point at things that you like. You know the actions to some songs like “Row Row Your Boat” and “I Have Two Hands”. You like playing with your sister and laugh with her while watching that weird 3D animated show. You love Dora and Mickey Mouse, just like your sister. And you’ve got 2 teeth already.

I can’t believe it’s been this long a journey. Or short, depending on from where you look at it. But one thing’s for sure: I’m looking forward to witnessing more of your milestones for years to come.

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